Radiation Therapy

Overview

Radiation Therapy, also known as x-ray therapy, is part of radiation oncology. Radiation Therapists use linear accelerators to administer radiation to treat cancer. They work closely with the medical dosimetrist, radiation oncologist and radiation physicist.

Jefferson is the only Radiation Therapy program on the east coast that offers Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) for student training. VERT is a life-size replica of a real linear accelerator used by radiation therapists to treat cancer patients. Students learn key skills by controlling the virtual machine with real controls. 3D visualization of patient images, organs, treatment beams and dose makes complex theoretical concepts easy to understand.

Technology

Patient Interaction

direct patient contact

critically ill inpatients and outpatients

all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics

Work Conditions

stand for most of day

move and lift patients to and from treatment rooms

Mission

The Mission of the Radiation Therapy Program and the Department of Radiologic Sciences is to provide a comprehensive education preparing students for entry-level practice into radiation therapy and the radiologic and imaging sciences, as competent, caring professionals, cultivating professionalism, interprofessional practice and life-long learning. Through innovative pedagogy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are developed and enhanced.

Accreditation

The Radiation Therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT can be contacted at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, (312) 704-5304 (fax) or mail@jrcert.org. Visit jrcert.org for more information.

Credentialing Exams

Upon successful completion of the Radiation Therapy program, graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiation Therapy certification examination. Multicompetency students are not able to take the board exam until the degree is awarded at the completion of the 2-year program. Students who pass this examination receive national certification.

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